Convertible cube particularly usable for display of pictures, objects, images, messages, and illumination patterns

Abstract

An article is proposed for display of pictures, images, messages, illumination patterns, etc. placed on outer and inner surfaces of a cube-shaped structure comprising six sides, the adjacent sides are hingedly joined providing for conversion of the structure from a folded cubical state into an unfolded flat state, forming a flat cross-shaped figure, and vice-versa, first fasteners engaging the sides in the folded state and disengaging in the unfolded state, a brace providing a desirable position for the cross-shaped figure, second fasteners engaging and disengaging the cross-shaped figure with the brace, wherein only the outer surfaces are displayed in the folded state, and at least the inner surfaces are displayed in the unfolded state. Embodiments include different types of illumination, means for placement of the pictures on the surfaces, designs of the brace and fasteners. Some embodiments are usable as a Christmas tree cube and as a crucifixion after Christmas.

1. An article for display of indicia, comprising:
 a structure including
 six planar sides having outer and inner surfaces, said indicia placed on at least said inner surfaces, selected adjacent sides of said six planar sides pivotally joined to each other providing for conversion of the structure from a folded cubical state into a substantially flat, cross-shaped unfolded state; 
 first fastening means for engaging selected sides in the folded state, and for disengaging the sides to convert the structure from said folded cubical state into said cross-shaped unfolded state; 
 
 a retaining means for retaining said structure in said cross-shaped unfolded state; second fastening means for engaging and disengaging said structure with said retaining means, the second fastening means including
 first counterpart portions coupled to said structure, and 
 second counterpart portions coupled to said retaining means; 
 
 wherein only said outer surfaces are displayed in the folded state, and at least said inner surfaces are capable of being displayed in the unfolded state. 
 
   
   
     2. The article according to  claim 1 , wherein the outer and/or inner surfaces are covered by at least one of the following materials: mirrored, semi-mirrored, and frosted glass. 
   
   
     3. The article according to  claim 1 , wherein the outer and/or inner surfaces made of or covered by at least one of the following materials: gold, silver, and platinum. 
   
   
     4. An article for display of indicia, comprising:
 a structure including
 six planar sides having outer and inner surfaces, said indicia placed on at least said inner surfaces, selected adjacent sides of said six planar sides hingedly joined to each other providing for conversion of the structure from a folded cubical state into a substantially flat, cross-shaped unfolded state; 
 a plurality of first fasteners for engaging selected sides in the folded state, and for disengaging the sides to convert the structure from said folded cubical state into said cross-shaped unfolded state, said first fasteners comprising essentially rectangular elongated male projections capable of being tightly and removably fit into respective essentially rectangular elongated female slots having a substantially ‘n’-shaped cross-section of a predetermined size; 
 
 a solid brace for retaining said structure in said cross-shaped unfolded state; and 
 a plurality of second fasteners for engaging and disengaging said structure with said brace, the second fasteners including
 orifices of a predetermined size made in said structure, 
 and pins coupled to said brace so located as to removably fit into the orifices; 
 
 wherein only said outer surfaces are displayed in the folded state, and at least said inner surfaces are capable of being displayed in the unfolded state. 
 
   
   
     5. The article according to  claim 4 , wherein said solid brace is made of transparent material. 
   
   
     6. The article according to  claim 4 , further comprising a footing base, and said solid brace made mountable upon the footing base. 
   
   
     7. The article according to  claim 4 , wherein said ‘n’-shape made predeterminedly narrower at the bottom and predeterminedly wider at the top.